iRock Jazz LIVE! with Drummer Otis Brown III

Drummer Otis Brown III – an invaluable sideman with the likes of Esperanza Spalding, Joe Lovano, Terence Blanchard, Oliver Lake, Somi, and others – has announced the release of his debut album The Thought of You, which will arrive September 23 via Revive/Blue Note, a new partnership between Revive Music and Blue Note Records. Pre-order …

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iRock Jazz LIVE! with Pianist Robert Glasper

Breakthrough success can often be a tough act to follow. But with a little help from some notable friends, Robert Glasper Experiment is set to up the ante with the follow-up to his successful GRAMMY-winning album Black Radio. Flaunting a diverse array of featured guests including Common,Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy, Brandy, Jill Scott, Dwele, Marsha Ambrosius, Anthony Hamilton,Faith …

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iRock Jazz LIVE! with Drummer Lil John Roberts

One of the most sought after Jazz and R & B Drummers of his generation, John “Lil’ John” Roberts has maintained his status in the industry as the ultimate heartbeat. A native of Philadelphia, John quickly became noted as a child prodigy, playing along side Christian McBride and Joey Defranceso …

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iRock Jazz LIVE! with Drummer John “lil” John” Roberts

One of the most sought after Jazz and R & B Drummers of his generation, John “Lil’ John” Roberts has maintained his status in the industry as the ultimate heartbeat. A native of Philadelphia, John quickly became noted as a child prodigy, playing along side Christian McBride and Joey Defranceso …

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Gizmo: My Music Is An Honest Expression of My Life

Bass players have historically worn many hats. To be able to stop on a dime, keep it all together, and let it groove, is no easy undertaking.  Anyone who has ever listened to Motown understands this whether they know it or not. James Jamerson’s driving bass lines provided the solid …

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iRock Jazz LIVE! with Saxophonist Jaleel Shaw

Jaleel Shaw, alto saxophonist grew up in Philadelphia, PA, where he studied with saxophone instructors Rayburn Wright and Robert Landham. He also studied with jazz instructor Lovette Hines, whose students have included Bassist Christian McBride, Organist Joey Defrancesco, Drummers Johnathan Blake & Ari Hoenig, Vocalist Bilal, Trumpeter Daud El-Bakara, and …

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Derrick Hodge: My Church Roots to Career Sacrifices

Derrick Hodge fell in love with the electric bass when he was seven at Beulah Baptist Church in Philadelphia, and has never looked back. He continued developing his talent at Temple University, and while touring with Jill Scott. He has collaborated on over fifty albums with other artists such as …

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Algebra: Music is Just Good Arithmetic

Algebra Blessett, a singer and songwriter began singing background vocals for artists such as Bilal and Monica. In 2006, she released her first single, “U Do It For Me” and in 2008 her debut album, Purpose was released. This Atlanta native has also collaborated with India.Arie and Esperanza Spalding and …

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Robert Glasper’s Formula for Groundbreaking Music

Jazz pianist and composer Robert Glasper is at the head of the class when it comes to breaking rules in his genre. The 2012 Grammy Award winner for “Best R&B Album” and Blue Note label artist thinks outside of the musical box as he fuses Hip-Hop, Soul, Jazz and Rock …

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Bilal: Deconstructing Neo-Soul

Bilal is a Philadelphia born, New York-based singer-songwriter. Working within various genres, Bilal first came to prominence as a member of the Soulquarians, creating amongst such names as Common, J Dilla, and Talib Kweli. When not lending his talents to others, Bilal has released four albums to date, most recently …

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Otis Brown III: The Life and Music

In a music industry often rife with shameless self promotion and ambitious arrogance, humility is a characteristic that is found in minimal proportions. Contrary to popular thought, humility is not the meek position some may think. It is the quiet strength of the humble that does not step on others …

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